Peptic esophagitis, the most common complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), involves inflammatory lesions of the esophageal layers. It can cause debilitating symptoms and, in the long term, severe complications such as strictures or increased risk of esophageal cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current epidemiology and risk factors of peptic esophagitis.

This is a retrospective, descriptive, single-center study conducted over 5 years (2020–2025), including all cases of peptic esophagitis confirmed by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at the HepatoGastroenterology and Proctology Department “Medicine B” of Ibn Sina Hospital, Rabat. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic data, and risk factors were collected from medical records.

Among 1,654 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, 23 cases of peptic esophagitis were identified, yielding a prevalence of 1.39%. The mean age was 46 years, ranging from 23 to 71 years. A male predominance was observed, with 15 men (65%) and 8 women (35%), resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 1.86. Most patients resided in urban areas (86.95%), compared to 13.04% in rural areas. Identified risk factors included hiatal hernia in 4 patients (17.3%), chronic smoking in 2 patients (8.6%), and a history of alcohol consumption in 2 patients (8.6%). The mean BMI was 19.2 kg/m². H. pylori infection was present in 39.13% of cases. High-risk medications included NSAIDs in 48.82% of patients, bisphosphonates in 4.38%, and certain sedatives in 4.38%. Clinically, gastroesophageal reflux was the main symptom in 82.6% of cases, dysphagia in 56.56%, and digestive bleeding in 30.43%. Endoscopically, according to the Los Angeles classification, 5 cases (21.73%) were grade A, 5 cases (21.73%) grade B, 4 cases (17.39%) grade C, and 9 cases (39.13%) presented with severe peptic stricture (grade B).

Peptic esophagitis in this urban cohort predominantly affects middle-aged men. Key risk factors include smoking, H. pylori infection, and certain medications. Early detection and appropriate treatment are essential to prevent severe complications such as strictures. These findings highlight the need for increased awareness and careful monitoring of at-risk patients.